Mercy’s Knockin’ on the Door. Will You Open It?

Pope Francis has declared 2016 the Year of Mercy. But what does mercy mean to those in the St. Pius X community?

By: Ryan Barber, Copy Editor

By the command of Pope Francis, 2016 is a Jubilee Year known as the Year of Mercy. This

The Year of Mercy gives people everywhere the opportunity to find and receive mercy in their daily lives through deep thought and prayer. The Chapel at SPX is a free space for students and faculty seeking this opportunity. Photo by: Zachary Elling

gives everyone the opportunity to reflect on mercy, receive mercy, and give mercy to others in the St. Pius X community.

In making this year the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has recognized the need for mercy in the world today. What exactly is mercy, though?

“Mercy is the action end of love,” said Junior religion teacher Mr. Jeff Gardner. “In other words, mercy is the manifestation of love.”

Mercy in the eyes of God is when He shows compassion to people through forgiveness when in a time of need, and in turn when shown forgiveness and compassion to others when they are in their time of need.

“Someone showing mercy to you can help you show mercy to others around you,” said Sophomore Ryann Hill. “It helps us to see God in other people.”

During this year, the world is called to reflect on both the Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Corporal Works of Mercy. However, St. Pius X focused on the Corporal Works last year, and is therefore focusing on the Spiritual Works this year.

“Because we are focusing on the Spiritual Works this year, and focused on the Corporal Works last year, we are taking care of both the body and the soul,” said Gardner. “Because

This is a drawing created by Junior Macy Drumwright. It represents the spiritual and material side of all humans. This is to express the need of mercy for both sides. Photo: by Zachary Elling

every person is made of a unity of both body and soul, we will have covered the entire being by the end of this year.”

As this community is constantly expanding, it is becoming easier and easier to see mercy, receive mercy, and give mercy.

“We see the effects of mercy every day in our lives,” said Junior Matthew Kirk. “When we look around, we can see small acts of charity and kindness in our lives.”

Hill, along with seeing the acts of mercy in her daily life, recognizes the need for mercy in America.

“There are a lot of Christians in this world who aren’t exactly merciful, in fact, many aren’t. I think it says a lot about someone if they can be described as merciful,” said Hill.

One special opportunity that this year presents is the chance to enter a Holy Door. Walking through a Holy Door is a symbol of entering the realm of God, a place truly holy and full of mercy. It is also a profession that Jesus Christ is the Lord. While the main Holy Door is located at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, there are multiple other Holy Doors in Kansas and Missouri, including the door located at The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City.

In making this year the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has presented the opportunity to people all over the world to reflect on what mercy is, find their own mercy, and give mercy to those in need of it.